CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 14, 2003 - International Programs and Friends Without Borders at Southeast Missouri State University have announced a free International Film Festival to take place on campus March 23-28.

The first film, "Village of Dreams," is the story of identical twin brothers who recall their childhood, full of wonder and magic, in a Japanese village. It will be shown at 7 p.m. March 25 in the University Center Ballroom.

On Thursday, March 27, the featured film is "Maborosi," the story of a women who tries to move forward after the suicide of her husband. "Maborosi" will be cosponsored by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and shown at 7 p.m. in the University Center Program Lounge.

The film "Fireworks" will be shown at 7 p.m. March 28 in the University Center Program Lounge. "Fireworks" is a "masterpiece in violence" and winner of the Golden Lion Prize at the Venice Film Festival. Not for those with weak stomachs, this film also contains "poetry, tenderness, Eastern existentialist philosophy . . . and a mesmerizing, tragic love story," said critic Gerald Peary.

All films are in Japanese with English subtitles and are open to the public. The film festival is funded by What's on Weekends (WOW) and Student Government.